Annoy-O-Bug

In a recent issue of Make magazine there was a nice little project called an Annoy-O-Bug. Very simple and cheap. The article listed all the parts and instructions on programming and assembly. Being a kind of geek, I took to the project with enthusiasm.

The device randomly emits a very short chirp. Sort of like a bird or a smoke alarm that needs it's battery replaced. The object of the device is to do this in such a way as to encourage the "victim" to start hunting for the source of the chirps. The goal is to hide the device and make the "chirps" far enough apart to make echo location difficult.

I've pranked one person already, but they were sort of alerted in advance. That way the hunt would be more of a game.

First I made one on a prototype breadboard. Then I made another one on a basic prototype board. Then I got inspired to see if I could make another one smaller. After that I became obsessed. Finally I made one about the size of a quarter. Not as thin of course, but just about that big of round. Here's the timeline of the rest of my progress.

 

 

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I've given one away to a friend to use for a little fun. The first one I have at home that Janet and I take turns hiding on each other. The remaining two others I'll use to prank some other friends. They're small. Not destructive. Cheap and actually kind of fun to make.

This last one is likely my last. I've got some other projects to make before Halloween. They'll be fun making and deploying.